| Alisandros, we’ll probably learn that each non-death is worth a paltry hundred thousand bucks or so. Times 407. Anybody here want to do the math?” “That’s not the issue, Wally,” David countered. “We get the math. What you’re missing is the fact that these cases may not be cases. Not a single one of these non-death clients has been evaluated by a doctor. We don’t know if they have actually been harmed, do we?” “No, not yet, and we have not filed suit for these clients either, have we, now?” “No, but these people certainly believe they’re full-fledged clients and they’re about to be compensated. You’ve painted a rosy picture.” “When will they see a doctor?” Oscar asked. “Soon,” Wally shot in his direction. “Jerry is in the process of hiring an expert doctor here. He will examine each patient and give a report.” “And you’re assuming that everyone has a legitimate claim?” David asked. “I’m not assuming anything.” “How much will each exam cost?” Oscar asked. “We don’t know until we find the doctor.” “Who’s paying for the exams?” Oscar asked. “The Krayoxx Litigation Group. KLG for short.” “Are we on the hook?” “No.” “Are you sure?” “What is this?” Wally growled angrily. “Why is everybody hammering me? The first firm meeting was all about my girlfriend. This one is all about my cases. I’m starting to dislike firm meetings. What’s wrong with you guys?” “I’m fed up with these people on the phone,” Rochelle said. “It’s nonstop. Everybody’s |
Helen found the Mighty Mall and parked in a crowded lot. Traffic was thick; the place already busy. It was thirty degrees outside and not much warmer inside. They waited in a long line for beverages, bought two tall cups of hot cocoa, then began roaming. As chaotic as the market appeared, there was some semblance of organization. The food vendors were near the front, with such takeaway delicacies as Pronto Pups, doughnuts, and cotton candy drawing fans. Then a stretch of booths offering inexpensive clothing and shoes. Another long aisle was lined with books and jewelry, then furniture and auto parts. The shoppers, as well as the vendors, were of all shades and colors. Along with English and Spanish, there were many other languages: Asian tongues, something from Africa, then a loud voice that was probably Russian. David and Helen moved with the crowd, stopping occasionally to inspect something of interest. After an hour, and with the hot cocoa growing cooler, they found the household goods section, then the toys. There were three booths offering thousands of cheap gadgets and playthings, none of which resembled a set of Nasty Teeth. The Zincs were well aware they were months away from Halloween and were unlikely to find costumes and such. David picked up a package containing three different dinosaurs, all small enough for a toddler to chew on but too large to swallow. All three were painted shades of green. Only a scientist like Sandroni could scrape off the paint |
